Grilling season is awesome! We all look forward to this lovely season. What if making something different this time? Try another type of grill besides the one you get used to. In fact, there are various types of grill and we’re going to introduce 8 of them to you. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is Grilling? Definition of Grilling
Grilling is a way of cooking that involves direct and radiant heat to the surface of food. The heat can be sourced from heating many different fuels such as charcoal, wood and gas, which will be discussed below.
There are various types of grilling, heat transfer to the food on a grill is mainly thermal radiation. Secondarily, The area of food that touches the grill directly receives heat energy by direct conduction, and so creates the remarkable grill marks. On the other hand, when using a grill pan to grill, the heat is also transferred by direct conduction. In the United States, it is called broiling if the heat source comes from above, and the pan is called broiler pan.
Grilling meat is heated under a very high temperature which is often over 500°F (260°C). The high temperature delivers a desirable crust and flavor by carrying out a chemical process—Maillard reaction. This reaction only occurs when the temperature exceeds 310°F (155°C). The lovely brown crusty surface also helps seal the juice of meat to keep the inside moist and juicy.
8 Different Types of Grill
Types 1. Charcoal Grill
What is Charcoal Grill?
Charcoal Grill is one of the popular types of grill for outdoor gathering. No matter what design the grill is, all charcoal grills have some basic similarities. There is a space for placing charcoal below the gridiron. Besides that, air will come into the grill and go out via a vent at the top of the grill which is just like a mini chimney. Air takes an important role in grilling, the more the air passes through, the hotter the grill is. And in most cases, the charcoal grill comes with an ashtray that collects ash conveniently for easy cleaning.
There are two choices for choosing the fuel, they are charcoal briquettes and hardwood lump charcoal. Charcoal briquettes are made of compressed sawdust and some other wood material. It can burn for a long period of time and is cheap. However, these briquettes do not give the distinctive charred flavor of grilling and also produce a plenty of ash.
On the other hand, hardwood lump charcoal is made of pure wood. It burns not as long-lasting as briquettes and costs a bit more (actually still affordable). Yet, the hardwood lump charcoal imparts the real unbeatable grilling flavor and generates less ash. People who know what’s what will choose hardwood lump charcoal because the flavor is worthy.
Why Use Charcoal Grill?
Charcoal grills are good at keeping a high temperature constantly and consistently, if you have enough charcoal. Also, they provide a delightful smoky flavor that only charcoal offers.
► Read More: 10 Best Charcoal Grill for Different Needs in 2022 | Best Portable/Combo…
►Additional: How to Grill With Charcoal?
First of all, choose your charcoal fuel, what we recommend is hardwood lump charcoal, and put into the charcoal tray. Next, lighting the coals with a charcoal starter such as lighter, chimney starter, or electric charcoal starter. If the charcoal starts burning, wait until it’s hot enough. You can tell by the color of charcoal, white to glowing red means it’s ready for grilling while black can help nothing for cooking. And it’s time for the grilling party! If you want a richer smoky flavor, remember to cover with the lid during the heating process.
When the charcoal starts to be covered with gray ash, you should add more coals to maintain the high temperature. It is better to add new coals when the foods are all finished grilling, otherwise it may affect the cooking result. This is because the newly added coals take around 10 minutes to reach the high temp. In case your coals do not burn with the existing coals, ignite them again with a charcoal starter.
Types 2. Charcoal Kettle Grill
What is Charcoal Kettle Grill?
Charcoal Kettle Grill is somewhat similar to charcoal grill as mentioned previously. But the kettle version is simpler and more portable. It is in a kettle shape and only consists of a round bottom, a removable lid, grill grates and a stand. There is an air vent on the lid which allows air to go in and out for fire. Some kettle grills may also include an ash collector for easy cleaning, or even a built-in thermometer which are super user-friendly. Charcoal is placed in the round bottom and the grill grate is elevated above the charcoal. Hence, the foods can be grilled by thermal radiation but also free from ash.
Likewise, you can choose charcoal briquettes or hardwood lump charcoal. To reiterate, I will definitely opt for lump charcoal.
Why Use Charcoal Kettle Grill?
The most salient feature of charcoal kettle grill is its great portability. They are generally more compact and lighter which are perfect for camping and tailgating. Some models with a shorter stand can even be placed on the garden table. Grilling on this mini type of grill requires less charcoal, but is also able to feed fewer people.
Types 3. Kamado Grill
What is Kamado Grill?
Kamado Grill also involves charcoal and is somewhat similar to kettle grill, but there are several differences.
The most obvious difference is the shape. Its main space for grilling is in an elongated shape which is just like an egg, and hence it’s sometimes called “egg grill”. Since it is traditionally made from ceramic and designed with a thick wall, it is much heavier than a kettle grill. Kamado grill can weigh from 150 to 500 lbs depending on the size. Because of the weight and design, the lid or dome is usually non-removable completely.
Likewise, you can regulate the temperature and air flow by vent. But temperature can be controlled more evenly, consistently and widely in a kamado grill. The ceramic material absorbs and radiates heat which results in even cooking. The heat reflector is another magic code of a kamado grill as well. It acts as a barrier between the hot charcoal and the foods just like a pizza stone. The reflector allows heat to transfer to the foods from all directions and makes heat even and consistent like an oven.
Moreover, you can cook even more versatilely thanks to its wide range of temperature. A small adjustment will lead to a great difference in temperature for a kamado grill. As a result, you can grill at low and slow or high and fast. In other words, it is possible to cook from pull-back pork to steak and pizza.
Why Use Kamado Grill?
Kamado grill can reach the target temperature quickly. Steady temperature and even cooking are the remarkable features of this type of grill too. That is to say, it grills efficiently and long-lasting with low fuel consumption. What’s more, it is super versatile! You can grill from low and slow to high and fast like an oven. Baking bread, pizza, grilling steak, and smoking are workable here.
Types 4. Gas / Propane Grill
What is Gas / Propane Grill?
Natural gas and propane grills are the major types of grill in the United States. Obviously, it grills by burning gas. In most cases, the grill is connected to a propane tank, and it will be turned on at once just like a gas stove. It typically fires on 3 to 4 burners below with 40,000 BTUs of heat.
Gas grill is one of the most convenient types of grill as it takes only seconds to heat up without any additional lighter or starter. Furthermore, gas burns very clean but meanwhile, you may not get the rich smoky flavor that a charcoal grill provides.
Why Use Gas / Propane Grill?
The most salient feature of gas grills is the convenience of usage. It is easy to light and control, what you have to do is just turn the knob like using a stove. Also, gas grills need just a second to get hot enough for grilling on high. Above all, it burns with a slight flavor and requires minimum effort to clean. You just need to turn off the gas instead of disposing charcoal or wood.
► Read More: 11 Best Gas Grill In 2022 for Different Needs (Under $500/Portable…)
Types 5. Wood Grill
What is Wood Grill?
Burning with wood is the oldest way of grilling in human history. The operation of a wood grill is more or less the same as a charcoal grill, but the results are different. Grilling with wood creates various delightful aromas to the foods that charcoal does not offer. Different species of wood impart different distinct flavors, for example, applewood delivers a mild sweet flavor with a hint of fruity aroma.
For the beginners of wood grilling, I suggest using wood chunks for the first try because the size is similar to lump charcoal. Alternatively, you may add some woods for your charcoal grilling party to get the feel of wood smoke first. Mixing charcoal and wood to grill is quite common. It’s especially suitable for the people who get used to grilling on charcoal but also want to taste the incredible wood aromas. It is better to light the charcoal first, and then add your preferred wood.
Apart from the rectangular shape, you may opt for the wood grill with a round shape which may be more accessible.
Why Use Wood Grill?
The unforgettable aromas can be found only when grilling with wood. Each type of wood possesses a unique wood smoke flavor. You will never get bored of tasting different wood flavors one by one.
Additionally, it is quite handy to grill with wood when compared to charcoal grilling. This is because picking charcoal will probably stain your hands and clothes with black powder. Yet, it will not happen when grilling over high quality wood.
Types 6. Pellet Grill
What is Pellet Grill?
Pellet Grill acts more like a smoker than a grill, yet you can use it as an oven as well. The fuel of this type of grill is generally wood pellets which are placed in the pellet hopper. To start cooking, firstly you have to ignite the pellets. The auger will transport the pellets to a fire pot as well as the fan system will dispense the heat and smoke to the grilling grid. As a result, the food is smoked with a rich woody flavor.
Why Use Pellet Grill?
Thanks to the designs, its special mechanism guarantees your food stays away from being blackened. Since the pellet grill does not directly heat the food and has no open flame, flare-ups are impossible here and so the food won’t get burnt.
Moreover, pellet grills are very versatile. You can grill, smoke, bake or even braise by this lovely grill.
Types 7. Electric Grill
What is Electric Grill?
As its name implies, it is heated by electricity. Grilling with an electric grill does not involve any flame and direct heating of fuel. All you have to do is just simply plug in and wait until it’s hot enough. Therefore, it is very clean and convenient which is suitable for both outdoor and indoor grilling. However, this also causes the food to lack the unique grilling smoky flavor.
There are many different varieties of electric grill, and it can be roughly divided into two types according to the grilling pan. The first one is the grilling grate and the other one is griddle. Both of them are great to grill.
Why Use an Electric Grill?
Electric grill is unbeatable in terms of convenience, even more excellent than that of a gas grill. You do not need to prepare and ignite any fuel but just connect it with electricity. Also, grilling with an electric grill is unbelievably clean.
Types 8. Grill Pan
What is Grill Pan?
I believe that you are no stranger to grill pan. This is an alternative choice to those who do not grill frequently. As it is cheaper than most of the other types of grill and it’s friendly to use indoors. But a grill pan is not a game for a party but an individual grilling joy. It can create the desirable grill marks on a steak as well. And it is easy to use just like how you use your frying pan and saves you a lot of space in your store room.
Why Use Grill Pan?
Grill pan is more budget-friendly, easier to store and use than most of the other grills. If you are the only chef for the grilling dinner, it may be your choice.
What Accessories Do You Need For Grilling?
Apart from the grill, getting some accessories can make your grilling party go smoother. For instance, you will need a basting brush to baste sauce on your ribs; and a tong to flip your perfect steaks. It is easy to miss and forget to prepare the useful accessories. So we have prepared a short list for you:
- Tong
- Heat Protective Gloves
- Spatula
- Kabob Skewers
- Basting Brush
- Meat Thermometer
- Grill Fork
- Knife
- Grill Cleaning Brush
It is daunting right? Here is a shortcut for you, buy a grilling tool kit and it’s done!
Summary
Is it surprising that there are more different types of grill than you thought? Which is your customary grill? Why not try other types of grill and experience something new!
► Read More: 10 Best Steaks to Grill & 4 Tips for Grilling the Perfect Steaks
► Read More: Learn Wagyu Beef In 10 Minutes | The Finest Beef In The World
